As K-pop continues expanding beyond South Korea, several entertainment companies have started creating global groups designed to connect different music markets. One of the most notable examples is &TEAM, a nine-member boy group formed under HYBE’s Japanese label division. Since their debut in 2022, the group has attracted attention for blending Japanese and Korean entertainment styles while building a growing international audience.
Many new fans searching for information about &TEAM often wonder whether the group is K-pop, J-pop, or something in between. The answer is part of what makes them unique. While &TEAM is based in Japan, their training system, production style, performances, and global strategy closely align with modern K-pop. Their multinational lineup and connection to HYBE, the company behind BTS, have also helped them gain worldwide recognition.
From their origins in survival shows to their current rise as one of Asia’s fastest-growing boy groups, here is a complete look at who &TEAM is, its members, history, music, and growing global influence.
What is &TEAM?
&TEAM is a nine-member boy group managed by YX LABELS, formerly known as HYBE Labels Japan. The group officially debuted on December 7, 2022, with the mini album First Howling: ME. Before the album release, they introduced themselves through the pre-debut song “Under the Skin,” which helped establish their concept and musical identity.
The group’s name carries a specific meaning. According to official descriptions, the “&” symbolizes connection, while “TEAM” represents unity. Together, the name reflects the idea of diverse individuals joining together to achieve shared goals.
Unlike many traditional idol groups focused on a single domestic market, &TEAM was created as a global project. HYBE developed the group with the goal of appealing to audiences in Japan, South Korea, and international markets simultaneously. This strategy has become increasingly important as Asian pop music gains worldwide popularity.
Their music combines elements of K-pop, J-pop, pop-rock, dance music, and cinematic storytelling. The result is a style that feels familiar to K-pop fans while maintaining a distinct identity.
How &TEAM was formed through HYBE’s global vision
The origins of &TEAM can be traced back to HYBE’s expansion plans in Japan.
In January 2021, HYBE Labels Japan announced a global debut project that would create a new boy group capable of succeeding in multiple markets. The project included several trainees who had previously appeared on the survival show I-LAND, the same program that helped launch ENHYPEN. Among those future members were K, EJ, Nicholas, and Taki.
The group’s final lineup was determined through the reality competition series &AUDITION – The Howling. The program featured trainees competing for positions in the debut team while viewers followed their training, performances, and personal growth. The show eventually finalized the nine-member lineup that fans know today.
This survival-show approach mirrored the methods used by many successful K-pop companies. It allowed audiences to form emotional connections with members before the official debut, helping establish an early fanbase.
The strategy proved successful, particularly among fans already familiar with HYBE’s artist development system.
Meet the members of &TEAM
One of the biggest reasons for &TEAM’s popularity is its diverse lineup.
The group consists of EJ, Fuma, K, Nicholas, Yuma, Jo, Harua, Taki, and Maki. The members come from different cultural backgrounds, helping reinforce the group’s international image. Leader EJ is from South Korea, Nicholas comes from Taiwan, while the remaining members primarily represent Japan. Maki also has German-Japanese heritage, adding further diversity to the group.
EJ serves as the leader and is often recognized for his calm personality and leadership skills. K is one of the group’s most experienced performers and gained significant attention during his time on I-LAND. Nicholas is known for his strong stage presence and multilingual abilities.
Fuma, Yuma, Jo, Harua, Taki, and Maki each bring different strengths ranging from dance and vocals to visual appeal and variety-show charisma. Together, the nine members create a balanced lineup capable of appealing to multiple audiences.
Their chemistry has become one of the group’s strongest selling points, especially through behind-the-scenes content and variety programs.
Is &TEAM a K-pop group or a J-pop group?
One of the most searched questions about &TEAM involves their identity.
Technically, &TEAM is a Japanese boy group. They debuted in Japan, primarily release Japanese-language music, and operate under HYBE’s Japanese label division. However, many fans and media outlets frequently associate them with K-pop because of their training system, management style, choreography, production quality, and promotional activities.
The reality is that &TEAM exists somewhere between both industries.
Their structure follows the modern K-pop model that emphasizes trainee development, synchronized performances, global fandom building, and extensive multimedia content. At the same time, they maintain strong ties to the Japanese music market and culture.
This hybrid identity is one reason why they stand out in an increasingly competitive idol industry. Rather than choosing between K-pop and J-pop, they actively incorporate elements from both.
As a result, they appeal to audiences across multiple regions instead of being limited to a single market.
The meaning behind the First Howling series
The group’s early releases were connected through a broader storytelling concept known as the First Howling series.
Their debut project introduced themes involving identity, belonging, growth, and connection. Songs like “Under the Skin” and “Scent of You” explored emotional struggles while establishing the group’s unique artistic direction. The storytelling also connected with HYBE’s larger Dark Moon universe, which incorporates supernatural and fantasy elements.
The werewolf-inspired imagery became one of &TEAM’s signature concepts. Rather than relying solely on visuals, the group used narrative-driven music videos and performances to build a larger fictional world around their music.
This approach helped differentiate them from other rookie groups debuting around the same period.
Fans quickly embraced the lore, leading to strong engagement across social media and digital platforms.
How &TEAM built a growing global fanbase
Although the group debuted in Japan, HYBE’s international infrastructure allowed &TEAM to reach audiences worldwide.
The company utilized platforms such as Weverse, YouTube, social media, and global streaming services to connect the members with fans outside Japan. Their content regularly includes multilingual communication, helping international audiences feel involved in the group’s journey.
Their fandom is officially called LUNÉ. Since debut, the fanbase has grown steadily across Asia, North America, and Europe. Online communities dedicated to the group continue expanding as more listeners discover their music and performances.
The group’s multinational lineup also helps broaden their appeal. Fans often appreciate seeing members from different backgrounds working together while sharing cultural experiences.
This international accessibility has become a major factor in the group’s growth.
Major milestones in &TEAM’s career
Several achievements have helped establish &TEAM as one of HYBE’s most promising newer acts.
Their debut EP First Howling: ME performed strongly in Japan and attracted attention throughout the broader Asian music market. According to multiple reports, the release sold over 150,000 copies during its first week, an impressive achievement for a rookie group.
The group continued expanding through additional releases, fan events, tours, and multimedia projects. They also participated in the Dark Moon franchise through music and webtoon collaborations, helping strengthen their storytelling identity.
As their popularity increased, the group began holding larger concerts and fan meetings. Their performances showcased increasingly polished choreography and stage production, reinforcing their reputation as strong live performers.
These milestones demonstrated that &TEAM was evolving beyond a rookie project into a serious long-term act.
The significance of their Korean debut
A major turning point came when &TEAM officially entered the Korean market.
In 2025, the group released Back to Life, marking their formal Korean debut after spending several years building their identity in Japan. The release represented an important step in HYBE’s broader vision of creating a truly global group capable of succeeding across multiple regions.
Members openly discussed how entering the Korean market would help them reach larger audiences. Industry observers also viewed the move as a significant milestone because it allowed the group to compete more directly within the highly influential K-pop industry.
The Korean debut demonstrated the flexibility of &TEAM’s concept. Unlike many artists who remain focused on a single country, the group actively adapts its activities for different markets.
That adaptability continues to strengthen its international profile.
The modern idol industry is crowded with new debuts every year. Despite this competition, &TEAM has managed to establish a distinctive identity.
Part of their appeal comes from their multinational composition. The group naturally reflects the global nature of modern pop culture while maintaining strong teamwork and chemistry. Their performances also combine the precision of K-pop choreography with storytelling elements that help create memorable concepts.
Another factor is HYBE’s long-term investment in the group. Rather than rushing their development, the company spent years building the project through survival shows, training programs, world-building concepts, and strategic promotions.
This preparation gave the members a stronger foundation compared to many rookie groups.
As a result, they entered the industry with an established narrative and loyal fanbase already in place.
